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Kelly's Korner

Who I Am......

Once upon a time, two very excited parents brought home a much loved, long awaited baby girl home from a hospital in Valparaiso Indiana. In all that time as a couple they had many hopes and dreams about what becomming parents for the second time would mean to them. They imagined diaper changes, birthday parties, her first date and even what it would be like to give her away on her wedding day. They imagined all the joys and pains that they could think of that becomming parents again would mean but never did they imagine a child that wasn't perfect. A child whose health they would have to guard all the years of her life. Ten years after that little girl came home from the hospital fate through them a curve ball, and life handed out the unexpected. The diagnosis was Cystic Fibrosis and on that day three lives were never again the same.

I am that little girl 25 years later. I guess its no small potatos that when you consider the year of my birth, nearly half of all children born with CF did not make it past their 10th birthday. I remember feeling so isolated and alone after that diagnosis and questioned why the Lord would allow me to live a life with so much uncertainty. Yet I was also determined to live. I knew that the Lord gave me a testimony to be used for his glory and each time I went into the hospital I knew that the Lord sent me there because he knew that someone else needed a touch of him and he wanted me to be that person to illustrate hope in what seemed like a hopeless situation. Because of that diagnosis I have been able to minister the love of Christ to families, children, and the medical world. I remember as a child knealing at the foot of my bed and asking the Lord to use me in some small way to make a difference in the world. The Lord has blessed me with so much including a restoration of my health that many are amazed by. My life was not by accident nor was the story he gave me to help others understand his power in a powerless situation. Had I not been born with an illness that was out to claim my life I would not be the person I am today. I wouldnt understand the importance of living each day as if it were your last, letting others know how much they mean to me, or just how wonderful this world truly is when a perfect stranger comes to help you out when you are gasping for air in the grocery store. Had I not been diagnosed with CF I wouldnt understand the beauty of living in the moment so greatful to just wake up in my own bed with a healthy stretch, smelling the morning dew on the grass, nor would I understand the meaning of truly living for the Lord each day of my life.

I have done so much in my life. I have lived out my dream of graduating with honors from Valparaiso University, worked with terminally ill children at the Make A Wish Foundation, been able to fall in love with life and Christ, and have been able to relish in all that life has truly offered despite the pain that sometimes goes with uncertainty. I know that the Lord has done a great work in my life and if it were to end tomorrow I know that I have truly won. For I was able to accept others who were different, I learned to laugh in the midst of pain, and I learned to just be greatful for the moment because no life is certain beyond that. If my life was used to just bring one person closer to the Lord then this has all been worth it. God has done so much in my life, things I never thought imagined. I now have been out of the hospital the longest I have ever been, my pfts are the strongest in over three years, I now hike five miles each morning before work (I am a childrens pastor)and do 300 situps, and Im able to breathe like never before, all because of my savior!

I have truly learned so much and am looking forward to new chapters in my life. No longer am I shooting for small milestones but big ones. I cant wait to one day fall in love and get married, start a family, live long enough to see lines on my face and grey in my hair, dance at my cure party, and when Im old and finally leave this earth to one day hear my savior say.. "Well done my good and faithful servant."

If you are reading this and need prayer or a friend please dont hesitate to contact me at kelly_5583@yahoo.com

This is my most treasured picture of all time. For its of my sisters Becky(28)and Amy(5).

The greatest friends a girl could ever ask for. Julie, Tiffany, and Krystal I love you so much for the joy you have brought into my life. Always friends, forever sisters in Christ!!!!